When the sun finally broke the horizon, Lin woke up to an exhausted Kya, still bending the water she was in.
"Good morning, beautiful." Kya smile was small, but genuine, as she continued her treatment.
"Kya. I'm okay. You can stop" Lin sat up with more ease, thankful for Kya's treatment, and gently grabbed both of the water bender's hands, stopping their movements.
"No, you need this. You…" But Kya was far too exhausted to continue her battle. She yawned, and leaned her head against Lin's shoulder. Lin smirked, only Kya would argue against reason in a state like this. Lin gently pushed Kya off of her, and re-placed her onto the tub, Kya quick to get comfortable and rest. Her sleep was tense, and Kya mumbled from her sleep. A bad dream, Lin thought. After grabbing a towel to dry herself off, Lin quickly threw on a loose white shirt and returned to her girlfriend.
"Lets get you to bed." Lin whispered, sliding one hand behind Kya's back, and the other beneath Kya's legs. Gently, she lifted the waterbender.
"You shouldn't be lifting me. You're hurt." Kya said, but against her own words, she could only snuggle closer to the woman holding her.
"Only for a little while, honey." Lin rarely used words of endearment, and the word earned her a sweet smile from the woman in her arms. The walk was difficult, but manageable as Lin made her way into the bedroom. Slowly, Lin lowered Kya onto her bed, easing her hands from beneath her. "Thank you" Lin whispered, sweeping Kya's hair from her face, and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. But before she could turn and get ready for work, a weak hand grabbed Lin's, causing her to turn towards the resting woman.
"Stay" Kya asked, breaking Lin's heart at the fragility of the question. It was certainly morning, and the station would be opening soon. They were expecting her there, Lin left without a debriefing, and she wasn't sure if Saikhan could handle the situation. She couldn't handle the situation. What if –
"Please" Kya nearly whimpered, tightening her grip on her hand just a bit. Her eyebrows were furrowed slightly, and she curled into herself just so. Sighing softly, Lin got into bed beside Kya, wrapping her arms around the woman and positioning Kya against her chest. Kya fell flawlessly into the position, molding her body against her love. Listening to the strong heartbeat beneath her cheek, Kya relaxed, allowing the tension in her body to release. Soon the water bender was peacefully fast asleep.
Lin drew simple patterns on the older woman's back, afraid that if she left the bad dreams would return. The events of the day before began to run through Lin's mind, ruining any calmness she may have had before. Thoughts of guilt came lashing back, reminding her that she failed. That her officers were gone, and they have yet to retrieve the bodies, have yet to count how many they lost…
Sensing the turmoil from her love from beneath her, Kya snuggled closer to Lin. She lifted her head slightly, enough to kiss the shoulder of her lover, then rested again.
"Love you" was all she said before her breathing evened and she was once again asleep. Lin's heart beat skipped at the words. She hesitated to commit to Kya, fearing that in the line of Lin's work, she could be hurt. There were the possibilities that her enemies could discover Kya's existence and target her. But the higher possibility was that there could be a day that Lin doesn't come home. She didn't want to imagine the hurt Kya would experience if anything ever happened to herself. Idiot, Lin thought. How could she put Kya through this? She could have gotten hurt trying to protect you. She didn't deserve this. Something needed to change, Lin knew this.
Resigning to her exhaustion, and not willing to fight the demons in her head, Lin drew closer to her love, focusing on the older woman's breathing. Focusing on the presence that had been and will be her constant. After everything, Kya was still here. That should be enough for Lin. Enough for her to let go of the police force. Enough for her to actually want to grow old, if it meant she'll grow old with her.
"I love you too" Lin said, counting every breath Kya took as she slowly drifted off to sleep herself. They were both breathing, they were both alive. They may not be okay, but they will be. It wasn't too late.
Thank you for reading! Please do let me know what you thought. R&R will always be appreciated. You're a wonderful human being, and I hope you have a rad day.